History of Electronic Cigarettes

Since mid-20th century, medical professionals have long acknowledged the fact that smoking tobacco is a potential health hazard to the smoker that could cause serious health disorders.

Quitting the habit cold turkey is difficult as the body becomes dependent on nicotine. This prompted Herbert Gilbert in 1963 to design something similar to cigars but still deliver the nicotine fix.

His patented design produced no smoke; hence it is a “smokeless cigar.”It failed to capture the market and it eventually died out.

History of Electronic Cigarettes

By late 1990’s, the masses have become aware that smoking also poses danger to non-smokers due to second hand smoke. Health departments all over the world have campaigned for higher taxes imposed on tobacco products.

Nicotine replacement products such as the nicotine gum and patches are given to smokers who wanted to kick the habit. There had been partial success as smokers who wanted to quit prefer not to feel that they’re giving up tobacco.

From smoke into vapours: shifting from tobacco to nicotine

The solution came to a Chinese pharmacist in 2000. Hon Lik, also a heavy smoker, conceptualized the electronic cigarette through a dream he had while experiencing severe lung infection. The vapors he saw and his current condition inspired him to make a substitute.

By 2003, he had patented the prototype of the electronic cigarette. He gave one to his father, who had been suffering from lung cancer, yet had been able to enjoy it immensely. It was marketed the Golden Dragon Group the following year. Now, the company had changed its name to Ruyan, meaning “smoke like.” By 2006, the e-cig has invaded Europe’s smoking market.

The following year, it took the United States by storm.

Vapour cigarettes’ fall from grace in the market

Despite its success in the market, there have been setbacks. In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) had prohibited manufacturers to claim that the e-cig can be used as an aid to stop smoking. Despite the studies done in New Zealand that showed toxic chemicals in e-cigs were below dangerous levels, Turkey’s Ministry of Health banned its use. Canada, Israel, Brazil, Jordan, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Australia followed suit.

These countries provided their citizens different reasons for banning the use of electronic cigarettes citing reasons such as other chemicals contained in the e-juice might pose a health risk or that it contained irritants. The United States Food and Drug Administration required it to be regulated.

Return of E-cigarettes

Although 2009 had been a bane to electronic cigarettes, the subsequent year showcased different types of e-cigs and their users in an event known as the VapeFest which was held in the United Kingdom. Thailand and Singapore added to the growing list of countries that banned importation and distribution of vapor cigarettes to their citizens.

However, users of the e-cigs in the United States rejoiced when its Court of Appeals categorized the device under tobacco products. The US FDA then classified it as a tobacco product, not regulated as a medical device. If the e-cigs claim and prove that these gadgets really help in curbing addiction to nicotine, that’s when they’ll be classified as such.

With the onslaught of regulating authorities on the E-cigs, manufacturers banded together in 2011 in a group known as the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association (TVECA).

This did not stop South American countries such as Argentina and Venezuela from banning e-cigs in their locales. It did not impede US based vapers from celebrating their victory to enjoy vapor cigarettes. They held the first ever VapeStock in Florida and VapeCon in Virginia.

The last quarter of 2011 showed the silver lining under the clouds that vapor cigarettes have been subjected to. Two journals (Addiction and BMC Public Health) have published studies that e-cigs have been helpful in kicking the habit, way better than those used in traditional nicotine replacement therapies. In addition to these, the Behavioral Insights Team of the UK endorsed its use to combat smoking.

The ensuing year, VapeBash is celebrated in Illinois. Courts in Hawaii and Germany have allowed the use of e-cigarettes as it is categorized as a tobacco product. The Netherlands, Germany and Australia celebrate World Vaping Day on March 22.

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Great site ozvapour THANKYOU. If I may post my journey…on your site first… I’m 50 with 40 years of smoking, 100g rolling baccy a week, No luck quitting, tried everything. 4 weeks vaping ,3 weeks NO cigarettes, NO WORRIES. So easy. I even quit Nicotine after 3 weeks. Such beautiful tastes to be enjoyed. I started with tobacco flavors, and now prefer sweet or fruity treats. Yummmm. 4 weeks trawling the Net for information, and I found you. I love what people are posting here and the excellent info you are providing. Keep up the awesome work. I am proud of us all who preach the vape, to save our beautiful friends. Vape on Aussie, vape on !

It bothers me a lot about the some countries banning the usage or marketing of e-cig even though it is harmless. What about the traditional cigarette? Why aren’t they doing something about the rampant selling of cigarette, which is proven harmful. I hope that one day the effect whether it is good or bad will unveil.

E-cig had a really rough and wonderful journey. It helps a lot of people quit smoking. It’s a good news that people are starting to trust e-cig. I hope this is the start for acknowledging ecig worldwide.

It is good to know that ecig is being acknowledged to some part of the world. I hope the other countries would also trust ecig and pull down its banning. This is a great news and progress for the vaping industry.

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WARNING: The content of this website is for informational purposes only and not to be considered as medical advice. E-cigarettes are not approved by the FDA as a quit smoking aid. The products we review on this website, as well as the information provided, are intended for use by responsible adults over the age of 18 (or the legal tobacco possession age in your area).